Nicolas Tombazis articles archive

Ferrari seem strangely keen to play down the benefits of their intriguing new vented nose. Nicolas Tombazis told the press: It is not something revolutionary that will make us go two seconds quicker. More simply, it’s an aerodynamic development, like others that are perhaps less evident but maybe even more important. However they were also … Continue reading 2008 Spanish Grand Prix preview: Ferrari ahead by a nose?

At the Autosport International show last weekend I came across the stand for McLaren Electronic Systems – the company which won the bid to provide the standard engine control unit to Formula 1 teams for 2008. Although the deal attracted little attention when it was announced in 2006 it has become a bone of contention, … Continue reading A close look at McLaren’s standard ECU

Already 2008 is looking like being one of the most interesting F1 seasons for a long time, if only because if 2007 was a year of transition, then 2008 will be a year of consolidation (although there are a good number of top driver moves too). This is just my hunch, but I think that … Continue reading The Ben Evans column – first thoughts on 2008

In the late 1980s it often seemed like good tracks were dropped for safety reasons, and less good tracks found their way onto the calendar because money talked. How else could you explain a circuit like the awful Phoenix street track holding three Grands Prix? Or why the slow and dull Hungaroring remains on the … Continue reading F1 circuits history part 10: 1985-9

In the F1 blogs this week plenty of reaction to the Ferrari and McLaren launches. Meanwhile the row over traction control goes on. Will it make the racing better? Will it make F1 more dangerous? Everyone is having their say.

Tracks being altered to include slower corners became commonplace in the second half of the 1970s. Silverstone’s flat-out blast was rudely interrupted by a crude chicane at Woodcote. The other super-quick circuit – the Osterreichring – was also slowed, although both tracks retained much of their essential character. And two tracks we are familiar with … Continue reading F1 circuits history part 8: 1975-8

I just got back from Autosport International 2008 which was jam-packed with racing cars including a full roster of F1 cars in 2007 liveries, classic Formula 1 machines and more. There’s Ayrton Senna’s 1985 Lotus Renault, a pair of Arrows from the 1990s and Giancarlo Fisichella’s 1997 Jordan. Have a look at my full gallery … Continue reading Autosport International 2008 pictures

In the F1 news this week speculation over the value of Lewis Hamilton’s new McLaren contract, while Ferrari suggest the Briton will struggle without traction control this year. There’s also intrigue over the futures of two of the sport’s top team bosses – Jean Todt at Ferrari and Ron Dennis at McLaren. Read on for … Continue reading F1 news review: Lewis Hamilton’s ?é?ú70m deal